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The TCL Q5 arrived in fall 2023 as the cheapest model in TCL’s quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QLED) lineup, sold mainly through Best Buy as the Q550G. It promised richer color than TCL’s basic S4 TVs, Google TV, and gaming extras at a price that often dropped below $300 for the 55-inch size. This TCL Q5 review looks at what the Q5 does well, where it falls short, and whether it still makes sense now that TCL has replaced it with newer Q-series and Mini LED models.
Quick verdict: The Q5 offers wider color, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, and variable refresh rate (VRR) gaming for very little money. It lacks true local dimming, gets only moderately bright, and has a 60-hertz (Hz) panel. As a clearance or open-box buy, it’s a solid value for casual viewing. If you’re paying close to full price, the newer TCL QM6K Mini LED gives you a far better picture. Check the TCL Q5 price on Amazon.
TCL Q5 at a glance
| Spec | TCL Q5 (Q550G) |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 |
| Sizes | 43, 50, 55, and 65 inches (a 75-inch Q5 followed later) |
| Panel | 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) QLED, 3,840 x 2,160 |
| Backlight | Direct-lit LED with “Contrast Control Zones”; no true local dimming |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz native; Game Accelerator 120 allows up to 120Hz VRR at reduced resolution |
| High dynamic range (HDR) | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) |
| Gaming | AMD FreeSync, VRR, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) |
| High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) | 3 ports, 1 with enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) |
| Other ports | Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0, Ethernet, optical audio, headphone, antenna, and composite input |
| Speakers | 2 x 10 watts with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X |
| Smart platform | Google TV with Chromecast built in; works with Alexa and Google Assistant |
| 55-inch size and weight with stand | 48.3 x 29.9 x 10.4 inches, 24.5 pounds |
| Wall mount (55-inch) | Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) 200 x 300 millimeters |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Original list price (55-inch) | $499.99 |
Specs come from TCL’s 55Q550G product page and RTINGS’ Q550G review. Sam’s Club sold a near-identical club version called the Q570G.
Where the Q5 fits in TCL’s lineup
In 2023, TCL’s QLED range ran from the Q5 at the bottom through the Q6 (Q650G) and Q7 (Q750G) to the QM8 Mini LED flagship. The Q5 shares much of its hardware and software with the Q6, but it trims some features and costs less. RTINGS calls it the lowest-tier Q-series TV of 2023 and a simpler TV than its pricier siblings.
TCL later sold a Fire TV version, the Q550F, through Amazon. RTINGS describes the two as basically interchangeable: the Q550F handles reflections a bit better, while the Google TV Q550G holds its picture better from the side.
Design and setup
The Q5 looks like most budget TCL TVs: a matte black plastic body with thin borders on three sides. It’s 3.2 inches deep without its stand, so it sits reasonably close to the wall when mounted. The 55-inch model uses a VESA 200 x 300 bracket pattern, so check that your mount supports it.
Two feet near the outer edges hold the TV up. On the 55-inch model, they sit 44.7 inches apart, so you need a stand at least 49 inches wide. The feet lift the screen only about two inches above the furniture, which corrects a claim in the original version of this review that it offered about three inches of clearance. Many soundbars will block the bottom of the picture or the remote sensor, so measure first or wall-mount the TV. Our guide to the best TV wall mounts covers brackets for the larger sizes.
Ports and connectivity
TCL lists the following connections on the Q5:
- Three HDMI ports, one with eARC for a soundbar or receiver
- One USB 3.0 port for media playback
- One Ethernet port and dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Bluetooth for wireless headphones
- Optical digital audio and headphone outputs
- An antenna or cable input and a composite video input through a 3.5-millimeter adapter
The HDMI ports don’t support 4K at 120Hz, so the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X can’t use their highest-frame-rate modes at full resolution.
Picture quality
Color and HDR
Color is the Q5’s biggest advantage over TCL’s basic LED TVs. Its quantum-dot layer widens the range of colors it can show, and according to RTINGS, HDR content has more impact on the Q550G than on the S4/S450G because of its wider color gamut and higher HDR brightness. Support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ means the Q5 can use the dynamic HDR data from any major streaming service.
One note on the QLED label: in March 2026, a German court ruled that TCL can no longer advertise certain models there as QLED, after Samsung argued that they didn’t deliver the color expected from quantum-dot TVs, TechRadar reported. The ruling named a German-market series, not the Q5, and TCL disputes the testing behind the claims. Similar lawsuits are pending in the United States.
Contrast and local dimming
The original version of this review listed “decent local dimming” as a strength. That isn’t accurate. TCL’s spec sheet mentions “Contrast Control Zones,” but the Q5 lacks the true local dimming of the Q7. RTINGS notes that the Q750G’s local dimming gives it much better contrast and deeper blacks. On the Q5, dark scenes look somewhat gray in a dark room, though the picture holds up fine for everyday TV and streaming.
Brightness and reflections
The Q5 gets bright enough for a typical living room, and RTINGS found it noticeably brighter than the S4 in both standard and HDR content. It still struggles in a sunny room, and its glossy screen shows reflections from windows and lamps.
Viewing angles
Colors and brightness shift when you sit off to the side, as on most budget TVs. RTINGS found that the Google TV Q550G holds up better off-angle than the Fire TV Q550F, but central seats still give the best picture.
Motion and gaming
Gaming is where the Q5 beats most TVs in its price range. It supports AMD FreeSync VRR, which smooths out frame-rate drops and prevents screen tearing, and ALLM switches the TV into Game Mode automatically. TCL’s Game Accelerator 120 feature allows up to 120Hz VRR at a lower resolution, which helps with computer and Xbox games that support it. Motion looks fairly smooth for a 60Hz panel, though you may notice some dark trailing behind fast objects. For more serious gaming, see our picks for the best gaming TVs for PS5 and Xbox.
Sound and smart features
Two 10-watt speakers with Dolby Atmos processing handle dialogue well but lack bass. A budget soundbar on Amazon makes a big difference for movies. Google TV gathers content from your apps into one home screen, offers thousands of apps, and includes Chromecast for casting from your phone. The voice remote uses Google Assistant, and the TV works with Amazon Alexa speakers. Some owners report that menus lag after the TV wakes from standby, a common issue with TCL’s budget Google TVs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wider color than TCL’s basic LED TVs
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support
- FreeSync VRR and ALLM for casual gaming
- Google TV with Chromecast built in
- Very cheap on sale and clearance
Cons
- No true local dimming, so blacks look grayish
- 60Hz panel with no 4K at 120Hz
- Glossy screen reflects bright lights
- Low stand clearance for soundbars
- Only a one-year warranty
- Discontinued and replaced by newer models
Is the TCL Q5 discontinued?
Yes. TCL replaced the Q5 and Q6 in 2024 with the Q6 (Q651G), which Amazon lists as the TCL Q65. According to RTINGS, the Q651G replaces the 2023 Q650G as TCL’s entry-level QLED. In 2025, TCL added the Walmart-exclusive Q Series (Q51K), which Notebookcheck reports starts at about $208 for 43 inches, and the Best Buy Q5K in an 85-inch size. TCL also brought Mini LED prices down with the QM5K and QM6K. In 2026, TCL’s newest TVs, such as the QM7L and QM8L, sit at much higher prices, so the 2024 and 2025 models remain the budget picks.
The Q5 still appears as open-box or clearance stock and on resale sites. Best Buy often sold the 55-inch Q5 for $230 to $280 and the 65-inch model for $380 to $400 during sales. You can check Best Buy for remaining TCL Q5 stock, but prices change often.
TCL Q5 alternatives in 2026
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries TCL’s newer QLED and Mini LED TVs alongside the best budget models from Hisense and Samsung.
Compare similar budget QLED TVs on Amazon
| TV | Display type | Refresh rate | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL Q65 (Q651G) | QLED, direct-lit | 60Hz with VRR | The closest Q5 replacement | Check price |
| TCL QM6K | QLED Mini LED with local dimming | Up to 144Hz | A much better picture for a little more | Check price |
| Hisense QD6 (QD6QF) | QLED, Fire TV | 60Hz | Fire TV users on a budget | Check price |
| Samsung Q7F (2025) | QLED, Tizen | 60Hz | Shoppers who prefer Samsung | Check price |
| TCL Q5 (Q550G) | QLED, direct-lit | 60Hz with VRR | Clearance and open-box deals | Check price |
- TCL Q65 (Q651G): TCL’s 2024 entry-level QLED keeps the Q5’s formula of quantum-dot color, Google TV, and VRR, in sizes up to 98 inches. See the TCL Q65 on Amazon.
- TCL QM6K: Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2025, this Mini LED TV adds real local dimming and a 144Hz refresh rate. Tom’s Guide covered its launch, and the 65-inch model has since sold for around $530 on sale. It’s the upgrade we’d pick. Our TCL vs. Hisense comparison pits it against Hisense’s rival. See the TCL QM6K on Amazon.
- Hisense QD6 (QD6QF): Hisense’s 2025 budget QLED runs Fire TV and comes in sizes up to 100 inches. See the Hisense QD6 on Amazon.
- Samsung Q7F (2025): Samsung’s entry-level QLED uses the Tizen platform and lacks Dolby Vision, but it suits buyers who want Samsung’s software and SmartThings integration. See the Samsung Q7F on Amazon.
Shopping for a 55-inch TV specifically? Our list of the best 55-inch TVs under $500 includes several of these models. If you want a big step up in brightness, the Costco-exclusive TCL Q77K is another option worth reading about.
Who should buy the TCL Q5?
Buy the TCL Q5 if you find it on clearance or open box at a big discount, and you want vivid color, Google TV, and casual gaming features for a bedroom, dorm, or family room. Skip it if you watch movies in a dark room, need a bright TV for a sunny space, or want a set that will get software updates for years. For a little more money, the TCL QM6K fixes nearly all of the Q5’s weaknesses.
Frequently asked questions
Does the TCL Q5 have local dimming?
No. TCL advertises “Contrast Control Zones,” but the Q5 doesn’t have the full-array local dimming found on the Q7 and Mini LED models, so its blacks look grayish in a dark room.
Is the TCL Q5 good for gaming?
It’s good for casual gaming. It supports FreeSync VRR, ALLM, and up to 120Hz VRR at reduced resolution through Game Accelerator 120, but it can’t display 4K at 120Hz.
What is the difference between the TCL Q5 and Q6?
The 2023 Q5 and Q6 share similar QLED panels, Google TV, and gaming features. The Q6 cost a little more and came in more sizes. Both have since been replaced by the 2024 Q6 (Q651G), sold on Amazon as the Q65.
What replaced the TCL Q5?
The TCL Q6/Q65 (Q651G) replaced TCL’s 2023 entry QLEDs in 2024. In 2025, TCL added the Q51K, the Q5K, and the low-cost QM5K and QM6K Mini LED TVs.
Final verdict
This TCL Q5 review finds a budget QLED that delivered better color and more gaming features than you’d expect for the price, held back by the lack of true local dimming, average brightness, and a reflective screen. In 2026, the Q5 is worth buying only at a clearance price. Otherwise, the TCL Q65 matches it for similar money, and the TCL QM6K offers a far better picture for a little more. Check the current TCL Q5 price on Amazon.